In 1959 in Beijing, in an ordinary middle school, a teacher was nervously walking towards a seemingly ordinary courtyard house. The purpose of his trip was to visit a student named Xu Yanbin. This should have been an ordinary thing, but it made the teacher feel inexplicably nervous. Because in his impression, Xu Yanbin's family background has always been a mystery.
【Xu Yanbin's special family history】
Xu Yanbin, this name is very common in the eyes of his classmates. No one knew who his dad was because he never mentioned it. Only the mother's name is written when filling out the form. After school on the weekend, the other classmates were picked up by cars, but he walked silently to the bus stop with his schoolbag on his back. This kind of "low-key" was rare among the children of high-ranking cadres at that time.
The teacher knocked on the door of the courtyard, but he was greeted by a middle-aged man in civilian clothes. Those piercing eyes reveal an extraordinary temperament. The teacher was stunned for a moment - isn't this person in front of him the famous founding general Xu Guangda?!
It turned out that Xu Yanbin was Xu Guangda's son! This astonishing discovery made the teacher understand many things in an instant. No wonder Xu Yanbin never shows off his family background, it turned out to be his father's strict requirements. The general's actions illustrate the educational philosophy of "don't rely on your parents, rely entirely on yourself".
【The General's Way of Godson】
Xu Guangda's education of his son can be described as unique. He let Xu Yanbin live in the school since elementary school, and his living standards were on par with those of ordinary workers and peasants. What's even more interesting is that he also gave his son a "ban": "Don't mention who I am outside." If you let me know that you say you're the commander's son, don't think about going back to this home!"
Although these words sounded harsh, they reflected Xu Guangda's foresight. He is well aware of the temptation of power and does not want his son to taste the sweetness of privilege too soon. In his view, true growth requires grinding, not dependence.
Xu Yanbin did not live up to his father's expectations. Not only did he have excellent grades, but he also integrated into the collective as a commoner child, winning the favor of teachers and students. This low-key and pragmatic is the result of Xu Guangda's careful cultivation.
[Troubles caused by accidental discovery]
However, Xu Yanbin's "hidden identity" brought a small one when he graduated from high school. The school was about to recommend him to study abroad, but when it reviewed the family situation, it found something strange - Xu Yanbin never filled in his father's information. This made the school leaders wonder: Is there something wrong with the child's family?
In order to solve the mystery, the school decided to send a teacher to visit the home. Unexpectedly, a shocking secret was revealed! The moment the teacher saw Xu Guangda, he was so surprised that he couldn't speak. He never expected that Xu Yanbin, who is low-key on weekdays, is actually the son of the founding general!
This discovery surprised and touched the teacher. He sincerely admired Xu Guangda's education method, and at the same time was pleased with Xu Yanbin's conduct. It is really commendable that a high-ranking cadre's son can be so low-key.
[Unexpected decision]
However, what surprised the teacher even more was Xu Guangda's attitude. When he asked Xu Guangda for his son's opinion on studying abroad, the general shook his head: "I don't agree with recommending him to study abroad."
This decision really surprised the teacher. At that time, being able to study abroad was a dream for many people. Xu Guangda explained: "The children of senior cadres will receive special care abroad, which is not good for the children's growth. It is better to leave the opportunity to those outstanding children of workers and peasants. "
Xu Guangda's words reflect his foresight. He knows that privilege corrupts people's hearts, and that true growth needs to be honed in an environment of equality. This spirit of giving up a small family for everyone is exactly the values he has always wanted to pass on to his son.
【Changes in History】
However, fate is always full of drama. In 1966, a political storm struck, and Xu Guangda was not spared. In his most difficult time, his son Xu Yanbin and fiancée Zeng Zhengkui gave him the greatest support.
Many people persuaded Zeng Zhengkui to "draw a clear line" with Xu Yanbin, but she chose to stick to it without hesitation. This sincere feeling is especially precious in turbulent times. In 1968, their daughter was born, bringing a touch of warmth to the weather-beaten family.
Looking at the photo of his granddaughter, Xu Guangda showed a long-lost smile on his face. However, as fate would have it, he ultimately failed to see the political situation change. In 1969, Xu Guangda died at the age of 61.
At Xu Guangda's funeral, a thought-provoking little happened. When Xu Yanbin placed his father's urn, some people accused him of reversing it. Xu Yanbin responded without humility or arrogance: "It's upside down, you can turn it upside down again!" This seemingly ordinary sentence contains a profound meaning, as if it is a silent protest against that special era.
Xu Guangda is not only a model of education, but also a legend of ups and downs. He used a strict education method to cultivate an excellent son. And Xu Yanbin also used his own actions to explain what is the real inheritance and development.
Today, Xu Guangda's educational philosophy is still worthy of our deep thought. In an era when it is easy to be blinded by privileges and interests, how to maintain the original intention and how to cultivate the sense of responsibility and mission of the next generation all need to be thought about and practiced.
True growth is not about where you come from, but how you shape yourself. No matter in good times or bad, maintaining the original intention and being down-to-earth is the most precious quality.