In the magnificent picture of the Chinese revolution, there is such a legendary figure: he joined the army at the age of 7 and accompanied the army on the Long March at the age of 9, and was the nephew of Marshal He Long and the youngest Red Army soldier in China. His life is like a thrilling revolutionary epic, from the suffering of his childhood to his growth in the flames of war, and then to his contributions after the founding of New China. Today, the 95-year-old veteran Red Army Xiang Xuan is still alive, telling the magnificent revolutionary years with his personal experience.
In 1926, in the Xiangxi region of Hunan Province, a loud baby cry pierced the night sky. This baby, named Xiang Xuan, was born in a revolutionary family full of gunsmoke. His mother He Mangu is He Long's sister, and his aunt He Ying is a famous "two-gun heroine".
Xiang Xuan's birth brought short-lived joy to this war-torn family. He Long excitedly fired a gun into the sky in celebration, then gently hugged Xiao Xiangxuan and imprinted a kiss on his immature face. However, the flames of revolution did not cease with the arrival of a new life.
When He Mangu was pregnant with Xiang Xuan, she had been following He Ying on the field, and she never stopped fighting until she gave birth. This newborn baby, as if accustomed to the sound of gunfire from its mother's womb, was destined to form an indissoluble bond with the revolution.
However, the harsh reality soon took a heavy toll on the family. Xiang Xuan had just turned one year and three months old, his younger sister Jin Zhi was only five months old, and his brother Xiang Chu was still young, and the family suffered a catastrophe. The Kuomintang reactionaries imprisoned the family, and soon after, He Mangu was brutally murdered.
The enemy is vicious and wants to cut down the grass and eradicate the roots, even the three young children will not be spared. At the critical moment, Xiang family, together with He Long, He Ying and others, pooled money to buy off the guards, and took advantage of a thunderstorm night to rescue three children from the prison.
When he was rescued, Xiang Xuan was already dying. His face was yellow and black, his clothes were covered with feces and urine, his bare feet were covered with mud, and his little hands were as black as crows' claws. This child, who has just turned one year old, has already tasted the suffering of the world.
Xiang Xuan, who lost his mother, was adopted by his aunt He Ying. Under He Ying's careful care, Xiang Xuan gradually recovered his health. At the age of three or four, he was able to skillfully operate a pistol and hit a target with one hit. He Long was both relieved and distressed when he saw his nephew so smart and clever, so he said to He Ying: "Eldest sister, you don't have children, give Xiang Xuan to you!" "
From then on, Xiang Xuan followed He Ying to eat and live and participate in guerrilla warfare. This young child, growing up rapidly in the rain of bullets, seems to be immersed in the furnace of revolution. His childhood was full of excitement and danger, as well as a hazy understanding of the revolutionary cause.
However, fate once again dealt Xiang Xuan a heavy blow. In a fierce battle, He Ying was unfortunately shot and died. Before dying, she handed two blood-stained pistols and four silver dollars to the seven-year-old Xiang Xuan, and pushed him with the last of her strength, telling him to flee quickly.
The ignorant Xiang Xuan took his aunt's relics and walked through the jungle to find He Long's troops. On the way, he was hit by a bullet in the right neck and collapsed in a pool of blood. Fortunately, he was rescued by Liao Hansheng and others who were passing by.
This experience became the beginning of Xiang Xuan's real participation in the revolution. He took He Ying's relics to find He Long and cried about his aunt's sacrifice. He Long endured his grief and swore an oath with the comrades present: swear to the death of the revolution.
Since then, seven-year-old Xiang Xuan has officially joined the ranks of the Red Army. He became the youngest Red Army soldier in Chinese history and began his legendary revolutionary career. Despite his young age, Xiang Xuan showed extraordinary courage and tenacity.
In the torrent of revolution, Xiang Xuan, an immature seed, grew rapidly in the tempering of blood and fire. His story, like a microcosm of thousands of revolutionary families, reflects the suffering and hope of that era.
Enlistment at the age of seven: the birth of the Junior Red Army
The day Xiang Xuan officially joined the Red Army coincided with his seventh birthday. This skinny child, dressed in a slightly wide military uniform, stood out in the line and stood out in the ranks. He Long looked at this nephew who had just lost his adoptive mother, and his heart was mixed.
He patted Xiang Xuan on the shoulder and said to the soldiers around him: "Comrades, this is the smallest soldier in our Red Army ranks. We have to treat him well, teach him, and make him a true revolutionary. Xiang Xuan looked up at his uncle, his eyes flashing with determination.
From that day on, Xiang Xuan became a member of the ranks of the Red Army. Despite his young age, he showed extraordinary courage and wisdom. On the march, he always followed behind the adults, and his small figure seemed so tough.
Sometimes, the big brothers in the team would take turns carrying him on their backs for a while. Xiang Xuan often struggled to get down, saying, "I am a Red Army soldier, and I want to go by myself." This stubbornness and persistence moved everyone.
Due to his young age, Xiang Xuan was unable to go into battle to kill the enemy like an adult warrior. But he found his own unique role. He became a petty propagandist in the ranks of the Red Army. Xiang Xuan's children's voice is crisp and pleasant, and he sings revolutionary songs very beautifully.
Every time he went to a village, Xiang Xuan stood on a high place, singing revolutionary songs such as "Ten to the Red Army" and "Red Guard Song" in his immature voice. His singing attracted many villagers, especially children. People gathered around him and listened to him tell the story of the Red Army.
Xiang Xuan's special identity has also become a powerful tool for publicity. The local people were moved and shocked when they saw that such a young child had joined the Red Army. Many young people were encouraged and offered to join the ranks of the Red Army.
In the battle, although Xiang Xuan could not participate directly, he took on the important task of transmitting information. He is small in stature, agile in his movements, and able to navigate through the hail of bullets. In many battles, it was precisely by relying on the timely transmission of information to Xuan that the Red Army was able to turn the corner from danger to safety.
At one time, the Red Army was in the midst of a fierce battle with the enemy, and the ammunition was about to run out. Xiang Xuan took the initiative to ask for help, risked his life, passed through the enemy's blockade line, and successfully delivered a batch of ammunition to the front line. This move not only saved the tide of the battle, but also made everyone respect this little warrior.
With the passage of time, Xiang Xuan's position in the revolutionary ranks became more and more important. He was not only a brilliant propagandist, but also a brave warrior. Despite his young age, his performance was in no way inferior to that of an adult fighter.
He Long watched his nephew's growth, both relieved and distressed. He knew that Xiang Xuan had lost the joy of his childhood, but he grew up rapidly in the baptism of revolution. In between a battle, He Long called Xiang Xuan to his side and said solemnly: "Xiao Xuan, although you are young, you are already a real Red Army soldier. "
Xiang Xuan straightened his chest and replied loudly: "Uncle, I will not let you down!" At this moment, the firmness in his eyes made people forget that he was only seven years old. From this day on, Xiang Xuan was appointed a deputy squad leader in the ranks of the Red Army.
This particular appointment caused quite a stir in the ranks of the Red Army. Many people wonder how a seven-year-old can be a deputy class leader. But Xiang Xuan proved his ability with practical actions.
He is the first to wake up and the last to go to bed every day. Participate in training and combat during the day, and learn cultural knowledge at night. Xiang Xuan's hard work has infected everyone around him. Gradually, even some of the older fighters began to follow the example of this small deputy squad leader.
On the last day of Xiang Xuan's seventh year, He Long convened a meeting of all the commanders and fighters. He praised Xiang Xuan in front of everyone and praised him as a little hero in the ranks of the Red Army. The audience burst into warm applause, and Xiang Xuan's face turned red.
The Long March at the Age of Nine: Growing Up in the Beacon Fire
In October 1934, the Central Red Army embarked on the world-famous Long March. At that time, Xiang Xuan had just celebrated his ninth birthday. This nine-year-old little soldier did not hesitate to follow the large army and embarked on this arduous journey.
At the beginning of the Long March, Xiang Xuan showed extraordinary tenacity and courage. His small figure always appeared at the forefront of the group, as if he had no end of energy. Sometimes, when the adult soldiers are exhausted, Xiang Xuan can still run back and forth with a smile, delivering news or handing water to everyone.
On the way, Xiang Xuan met many children of his age. Some of these children were the children of Red Army soldiers, and some were children of poor peasants who joined on the way. Xiang Xuan soon became the core of this "children's regiment", leading them to study, work, and even participate in some combat missions within their ability.
During the Long March, Xiang Xuan experienced countless tests of life and death. At one point, the troops were crossing the turbulent Dadu River. Because of his small size, Xiang Xuan was arranged to sit on a small wooden boat. Suddenly, a torrent hit, and the boat shook violently, and it was about to capsize.
At the critical moment, Xiang Xuan did not panic. He quickly grabbed the rope on the side of the boat while holding a younger girl next to him with his other hand. With the concerted efforts of everyone, the boat finally landed safely. This scene made many people look at this little warrior with admiration.
During the Long March, Xiang Xuan also learned a lot of skills. He learned to shoot with his older brothers, and soon he was able to accurately hit targets in the distance. He also learned simple medical knowledge and often helped the team doctor to care for the wounded. During the march, he even learned to recognize directions and became a little guide.
When climbing over the snowy mountains, Xiang Xuan faced the most severe test. The biting cold wind almost blew his thin body down. His lips were purple from the cold, and his hands were almost unconscious. But he gritted his teeth and insisted on walking in the ranks.
Once, Xiang Xuan couldn't walk anymore, and an old soldier wanted to carry him for a ride. Xiang Xuan resolutely refused. He said: "I am a soldier of the Red Army, and I have to walk the Long March on my own feet. This sentence moved the surrounding warriors.
On the grass, Xiang Xuan experienced the torment of hunger. Food is so scarce that people can only feed on grass roots and tree bark. Although Xiang Xuan is young, he never complains. He often gave his meager portion of food to his comrades who needed it more.
One day, Xiang Xuan found a small piece of wild fruit. Instead of taking it to himself, he distributed the hard-earned food to the other children of the "Children's Group". This move deeply touched many adult fighters. They said, "Look at our little Xiang Xuan, how sensible he is!" "
During the Long March, Xiang Xuan not only grew rapidly physically, but also made a qualitative leap in his thinking. He began to understand what a revolution was and what an ideal was. He often read documents and told revolutionary stories in his childish voice at night meetings.
At one point, the troops were attacked by the enemy and got bogged down in a bitter battle. Xiang Xuan took the initiative to ask for help, braved the rain of bullets and bullets to cross the enemy's blockade line, and successfully sent important information to the headquarters. This act earned him a precious medal.
Towards the end of the Long March, Xiang Xuan had grown into a real little warrior. Not only is he able to complete many tasks independently, but he also helps take care of other children. He Long watched his nephew's growth, and his satisfaction was beyond words.
In October 1936, the Red Army triumphantly reached northern Shaanxi. When Xiang Xuan's feet stepped on the land of northern Shaanxi, he was no longer the ignorant child he was two years ago. His eyes became resolute, and his body exuded a mature temperament that transcended his years.
At the celebration of his arrival in northern Shaanxi, Xiang Xuan was elected to speak as a representative. He stood on a high platform and told his Long March experience in a clear voice. The soldiers in the audience, including some of the chiefs, were deeply moved by the 11-year-old's experience.
On the road to the revolution: from a teenager to a general
As the years passed, Xiang Xuan continued to move forward on the road of revolution. He gradually grew from an immature teenager to a resolute revolutionary. In this process, Xiang Xuan has undergone countless trials and tribulations, and each time he has become stronger.
After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, Xiang Xuan, who was already an adult, stepped forward and took the initiative to ask Ying to go to the front line. With his courage and wisdom, he quickly rose to prominence on the battlefield. In a key battle, Xiang Xuan led a small detachment and successfully broke through the enemy's blockade line, gaining precious time for the victory of the main forces.
The outstanding performance in this battle made Xiang Xuan gain the appreciation of his superiors. He was appointed commander of a company and began to lead more fighters into the anti-Japanese torrent. Under the leadership of Xiang Xuan, this company soon became a well-known model company.
During the War of Liberation, Xiang Xuan's military talent was fully developed. He has been involved in the command of many major battles, and each time he was able to make the right decisions at critical moments. Once, when there was a huge disparity in the strength of the enemy and us, Xiang Xuan skillfully used guerrilla tactics to successfully repel the enemy's attack and protect the security of the base area.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xiang Xuan was awarded the rank of major general. This former Red Army doll has now become a general of the Republic. At the award ceremony, Xiang Xuan recalled his growth process, and tears of excitement flashed in his eyes.
However, Xiang Xuan did not stop moving forward because he had obtained a high position. He has always maintained the original intention of the little soldier back then, constantly learning and improving. In peacetime, Xiang Xuan devoted himself to the modernization of the army and made important contributions to improving the combat effectiveness of the army.
In 1979, Xiang Xuan, who was already over half a hundred years old, heard the clarion call of war again. In the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam, Xiang Xuan once again went into battle. He led his troops into a series of arduous battles in complex terrain. Despite his age, Xiang Xuan still takes the lead and inspires every fighter with his actions.
After the war, Xiang Xuan was awarded the rank of general. This honor is the best praise for his lifelong struggle for the revolutionary cause. At the award ceremony, Xiang Xuan deliberately put on the Red Army uniform when he participated in the Long March. Although the clothes have long been worn out, everyone present can feel the revolutionary spirit carried by the clothes.
After retirement, Xiang Xuan was not idle. He was often invited to various places to educate on the revolutionary tradition and to tell young people about his experiences. Whenever he mentioned his experience of joining the army at the age of seven, there was always an exclamation from the audience. Xiang Xuan's story has become a spiritual wealth that inspires generations of young people.
In his later years, Xiang Xuan began to organize his memoirs. He recorded his life experience in detail, from joining the army at the age of seven to becoming a general. This memoir later became an important source for the study of the history of the Red Army and was widely circulated.
In 2005, at the age of 91, Xiang Xuan passed away in Beijing. When the news broke, the whole country mourned. At Xiang Xuan's memorial service, people from all over the country came to bid farewell to the legendary general. Among them, the most striking is a group of elementary school students wearing Red Army uniforms, who are students from the Red Army Primary School in Xiang Xuan's hometown.
Xiang Xuan's life, from a seven-year-old soldier to a general of the Republic, has experienced the most drastic changes in modern Chinese history. His story has become a microcosm of an era and witnessed the rise of a country. In people's hearts, Xiang Xuan will always be the brave Red Army doll, who has used his life to interpret what is the revolutionary spirit and what is patriotism.
Today, in Xiang Xuan's hometown, a memorial hall has been established. The museum displays items used by Xiang Xuan during his lifetime, as well as various photographs and written materials of him. Every year, countless people come here to reminisce about the life of the legendary general. At the entrance of the memorial hall, Xiang Xuan's favorite sentence was engraved during his lifetime: "The revolutionary spirit is always young, and patriotic feelings are passed down from generation to generation." "
The story of Xiang Xuan has become an important chapter in the history of the Chinese revolution. His life, from the small Red Army to the general, has interpreted what persistence is, what struggle is, and what is the persistent pursuit of ideals. This little boy from the mountainous area of Xiangxi Province used his life to write a magnificent revolutionary epic.